Plans are well underway for this weekend’s State League Subway Cup netball match between Oakdale and reigning premier Newton Jaguars at Jamestown, in the Big Shed.
Starting at 7pm, the match promises to be an exciting tussle, with both teams looking forward to the clash and also to playing in Jamestown.
Spectators – expected from throughout the Mid North - are encouraged to support the teams with banners and club colours.
Newtown Jaguars president Jim Haldane said the club was keen to come to Jamestown last year, and was very happy to be selected to make the trip this year.
“We have always had a strong focus on working with rural areas in bringing netball to them,” he says.
“We will not only play the State League game against Oakdale on the Saturday night but intend to conduct a coaching clinic for local players on Sunday morning, before heading back to Adelaide.
“Locals will get the opportunity to be coached and meet State League players and coaching staff.
“Jags over the years have given a number of country players a start in State League netball and we continue to do so.
“Thunderbirds player Mandy Edwards was a product of this, having come from the south-east at a young age eventually playing for both Ravens and Thunderbirds in the national leagues.
“Jamestown gives us, as a club, the opportunity to showcase netball at its highest level to everyone, and enjoy the atmosphere and passion that comes with a strong rural community.”
Oakdale manager Lesley Reyonds said the Oakdale netball club was excited about the opportunity to take on the Jags State League team in Jamestown.
“It marks a significant stage of the Subway Cup – the end of Round 1 and Oakdale have set themselves specific targets for the first round of the competition, knowing the culmination of the round will be against last years premiers,” Lesley said.
“The game in Jamestown marks an excellent chance to showcase State League netball to our country regions and for the girls to get out of the city and spend some time enjoying being with each other before kick off.
“The game will be a challenging one and all of the Oakdale girls are eager and ready to take to the court – they always are.”
The match follows the success of last year’s double header State League match and is another coup for the Big Shed at Jamestown which has amongst its objectives to seek out opportunities for professional sports people to perform in the regions.
Plenty of food and refreshments will be available at the game, which follows Jamestown-Peterborough’s tussle with Southern Flinders.
Following the match, players will be available for autographs.